Whether you're reading the news, voting in an election, or debating policy over dinner, politics is a part of everyday life. That’s why knowing how to say Politics in German is so important for learners at all levels. The German word is die Politik, and it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German. From formal speeches to casual jokes, Politics in German is everywhere.
Politik is a feminine noun—die Politik—and it’s pronounced po-lee-TEEK, with the stress on the last syllable. If you’re still working out the gender system in German, we highly recommend our quick video lesson that makes der, die, das feel a lot less random.
The meaning of Politik is just as broad as in English. It refers both to the overall system of governance and to the specific policies, ideologies, or actions of individuals and parties. You’ll hear it in phrases like die deutsche Politik (German politics), sich für Politik interessieren (to be interested in politics), and eine neue Politik verfolgen (to pursue a new policy).
Importantly, Politik can also mean policy, depending on the context. For example, Klimapolitik refers to climate policy, while Außenpolitik is foreign policy. This can be tricky for learners, because English makes a clearer distinction between politics (the general field) and policy (specific rules or approaches).
The opposite of Politik depends on how it's being used. In a social context, it might contrast with Privatleben (private life), while in a philosophical one, it might be weighed against Ideologie, Theorie, or even Wirtschaft (economics), depending on what’s under discussion.
Germans use Politik widely in news, school, activism, and yes—arguments. It’s also common to hear people say Ich habe keine Lust auf Politik (“I don’t feel like talking politics”)—a reminder that the word carries emotional and cultural weight just like it does in English.
Example Sentences
Er interessiert sich sehr für Politik und liest jeden Tag die Zeitung.
He’s very interested in politics and reads the newspaper every day.
Die aktuelle Politik sorgt für viel Diskussion in der Bevölkerung.
Current politics are causing a lot of discussion among the public.
Ihre Politik konzentriert sich stark auf soziale Gerechtigkeit.
Her policy focuses heavily on social justice.
Beginner Dialogue
Mira: Redest du gerne über Politik?
Jonas: Kommt drauf an mit wem.
Translation
Mira: Do you like talking about politics?
Jonas: Depends on who I’m talking to.
Duden entry:
https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Politik
Want more big-picture vocabulary?
Explore Posten to understand jobs, duty stations, and official roles.
Or revisit Pech to see how Germans express misfortune—even in politics.
Viel Erfolg beim Deutschlernen – and stay informed, articulate, and engaged with core words like Politics in German.